Frequently Asked Questions
Can religious organizations apply for grant funding?
Can private schools apply for grant funding?
Does the Community Foundation fund general operating support?
Are the grant application deadlines flexible?
Can local chapters of state regional or national organizations apply?
Are reports required after a grant is awarded?
Can organizations with outstanding grants from the Community Foundation apply for additional grants?
If an organization submits an application in the 3 rd cycle at the end of the year, can they submit another application in the 1 st cycle of the next year?
What happens if all of the money awarded through the grant is not used?
How many grants are awarded each year?
What is the average range of grants made through the Open Grants Process?
Who decides on what grant awards are made?
Can an organization resubmit an application if it is not funded?
1) Can religious organizations apply for grant funding?
The Foundation will consider applications from faith-based organizations for programs or projects that address non-sectarian needs or issues that serve a diverse group of people not restricted due to religious affiliation and that do not require devotion to a particular set of beliefs to receive services.
2) Can private schools apply for grant funding?
The Foundation will only consider applications from private schools that serve a unique population.
3) Does the Community Foundation fund general operating support?
The Foundation does not provide funding for general operating support, but it does provide funding for both new and expansion programs and the support required to sustain those programs for a period of time. Funding is also provided for existing programs which are not ready for expansion. However, low priority is given to these requests, and they must contain well documented and strong sustainability and evaluation plans.
4) Are the grant application deadlines flexible?
No, each year all the grant application deadlines can be found on the website in order to allow plenty of time for application preparation. No extensions will be granted for application deadlines.
5) Can local chapters of state regional or national organizations apply?
Yes, a local chapter can apply for grant funding to be used in Hamilton County . Funding will not be provided for projects outside of Hamilton County or that do not primarily serve Hamilton County residents.
6) Are reports required after a grant is awarded?
Interim and Final Reports are required on most grant awards. The dates of the reports will be determined by Program Staff and contained within the grant contract. Reporting guidelines can be found on the website, and failure to complete reports may affect future funding requests.
7) Can organizations with outstanding grants from the Community Foundation apply for additional grants?
Yes, each calendar year an organization can submit one application per funding area. However, all of an organization's outstanding grants will be taken into consideration when making future funding decisions.
8) If an organization submits an application in the 3 rd cycle at the end of the year, can they submit another application in the 1 st cycle of the next year?
Yes, applications are considered on a calendar year, and each organization receives a clean slate at the beginning of every new year. An organization can submit one application per funding area per year.
9) What happens if all of the money awarded through the grant is not used?
Generally if all of the grant money is not spent it is refunded to the Community Foundation. However, if the organization can use the money to address a need related to the grant, they can request the funds be spent to address that need. This request is reviewed by the Program Staff and if necessary, the Program Committee .
10) How many grants are awarded each year?
The Community Foundation has 3 Open Grant Cycles per year. The number of grants awarded varies, but is dependent upon available funding for that cycle and the number of grant applicants. A list of grants by year can be found in the recent grants section of the website.
11) What is the average range of grants made through the Open Grants Process?
Grants made through the Open Grants Process range from $2,000 to $20,000.
12) Who decides on what grant awards are made?
The Fund for Chattanooga is governed by the Community Foundation's Board of Directors, a group composed of committed and thoughtful men and women. From the Board, a Program Committee is selected to govern the Foundation's grantmaking process. The Program Staff does not vote on grant awards, but serves as a communication link between the Program Committee and nonprofit organizations. The purpose of the Program Staff is to gain information from the nonprofit organization in order to help the Program Committee make a well-informed decision. The goal of the Program Staff is to make the nonprofit's grant application as strong as possible by providing as much information and detail to the Program Committee as possible.
13) Can an organization resubmit an application if it is not funded?
Yes, during the next year an organization can resubmit an application that was declined. When resubmitting an application it is important to speak with the Program Staff and determine why the application was not originally funded. This information will allow the organization to make changes in the application and address any concerns the Program Committee had, prior to resubmitting the application. Resubmitted applications are most likely to get funded if all of the Program Committee 's concerns and issues are addressed in the new application.
